I have had several little problem children like this through my shop over the years. I agree with everyone else about checking the guard screws and scope base/mount screws. Then eliminate the scope as a possible source of problem - unlikely with a Leupold VXIII, but possible. If none of the above sheds any light on its sudden change of behavior, see if any of your aquantainces have a H-S Precision stock for a Rem 700 Long Action. Put your barreled action/scope in this stock - check to make sure its free floated - torque guard screws to 65 inch pounds - and see if that helps. If it doesn't, then the gun probably is one of those that needs fore-end pressure. If it does, then the bedding job is not right - maybe rocking on the magazine box? Did the smith put in the aluminum pillars or just add some glass to the Remington plastic stock? Roskoe